ALBION have finally completed the signing of Bolton centre-half Abdoulaye Meite in a deal worth in excess of £2million.

Tony Mowbray bagged his man last night despite casting major doubt over the deal taking place following Saturday’s draw against Real Mallorca.

The transfer looked doomed to failure due to a hold up over agent fees but those issues were resolved, allowing the 27-year-old to complete his move to The Hawthorns.

Meite has signed a three-year contract, with a 12-month option in the club’s favour. The transfer fee could rise to £2.5million based on performance-related criteria.

The Ivory Coast defender will bring strength and aerial presence to Albion’s defence.

Described as a good organiser, Meite will also be bidding to get his footballing career back on track following a major bust-up with Bolton boss Gary Megson.

Meite, who can play at full-back or in the centre, started his career at French club Red Star 93 before moving to Marseille in July 2001.

He was a losing finalist in the UEFA Cup and French Cup in 2004 and 2006 respectively. He also played for Marseille in the Champions League.

The 6ft 1in defender joined Bolton in July 2006 and started all-but three of Wanderers’ Premier League fixtures the following season as Sam Allardyce’s men finished an impressive seventh to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Meite was born in Paris but pledged his international allegiance to the Ivory Coast.

He is a regular for his chosen country, having appeared at the 2006 World Cup and both the 2006 and 2008 African Cup of Nations.

Meite has become Albion’s fourth summer signing, following in the footsteps of Gianni Zuiverloon, Marek Cech and Scott Carson.